Customer Reviews

The Ballerina's Handbook (Genuine & Moste Authentic Guides)

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If you are interested in dance and have decided you would like to take lessons there are many things you should be aware of even before you select a school. You don't have to rush off and pay for lessons at the first school you find, but rather you need to "take time to find the right class for you." Once you have settled on a class there are still many things you will need to think about. You'll have to know what to wear, what kind of shoes you'll need, what equipment you'll need to purchase, what you'll need to pack and how to actually pack your ballet bag. You can even practice tying your ribbons by taking a close look at the illustrations. Your class will be very envious of your skills if you practice enough!

Flora Twinkletoes is ready to take you through a magical tour of the world of ballet. She flits in and out of the pages giving advice and enticing you to dream. Flora was a member of the National Ballet for many years and if you can't "keep your feet still," you'll want to follow in her footsteps. In this marvelous book you will learn what to expect during ballet class, Pierre Beauchamps's five positions, the seven steps, you'll be able to check a comprehensive glossary to learn the "language of ballet," you'll learn about recitals, you'll be able to glance through a miniature "Guide to Ballerina's Hairstyles, you'll learn some fascinating tips from Kate Castle, how to eat well, food tips, you'll see how a ballet is rehearsed, you'll be able to take a peek at people behind the scenes and much more!

This book is not only a great deal of fun, but it is also a very detailed instruction manual for the young, beginning ballet student. When I first read this book it brought to mind the very popular Kate Castle's "My First Ballet Book" and I thought that because of the many exiting flaps, envelopes and things like miniature position cards it would be more enticing. As you are probably well aware, it WAS written by Kate Castle! It's a busy, busy, busy visual book that is very exciting and the artwork compliments it perfectly. I would not recommend it for library use as it would not hold up long because the flaps would tear and pieces would turn up missing, however it would make an excellent gift for any boy or girl interested in dance. It's one of those books that appeals to young and old alike and soooo, if ballet interests you, you'll go wild over this book!